Recent premium increase for United Healthcare coverages

[jphorenci]

I am absolutely appalled at the just announced price increases for United Healthcare coverage. The increase in RX (over 90%) announced during the last open enrollment was enough force me to make a change and now the supplemental health coverage increase (22%) is astounding. As their primary selling agent, you should anticipate my changing to another, more affordable carrier at my first opportunity and hopefully a boatload of others doing the same. Shameful, unjustified, heartless, and ridiculous. Shame on both you and United Healthcare.  

[maziemoo]

Thank you @GailL1 for being an advocate for all of us who have so many complaints and questions on our medigap premiums. It would be great if we could really be heard by AARP since it’s mandatory to hold an AARP membership in order to be enrolled in AARP/UHC. Curious as to how the relationship benefits us as members.

[GailL1]

@maziemoo 

You are very welcome.  Just trying to spread a bit of knowledge - as always people can do with it as they please. 

@maziemoo wrote 

It would be great if we could really be heard by AARP since it’s mandatory to hold an AARP membership in order to be enrolled in AARP/UHC

================================

Just for clarity - 

AARP Membership is 

ONLY required for a AARP/UHC MediGAP plan -

And that is ONLY for the 1st year when you get the policy.

Once you get the AARP/UHC MEDIGAP policy, Federal rulesd says that the insurer of any MediGAP plan can ONLY cancel the policy for (3) specific reasons: 

Medicare.gov- Learn How MediGAP works 

~. from the link ~

Once you buy a policy, you'll keep it as long as you pay your Medigap premiums. All standardized Medigap policies are automatically renewed every year, even if you have health problems. Your Medigap insurance company can only drop you if:

• You stop paying your premiums
• You weren't truthful on the Medigap policy application
• The insurance company goes bankrupt or goes out of business

You do not have to be a member of AARP after the year you buy the AARP/UHC Medigap policy -  

You do NOT have to be a member to buy an AARP/UHC Medicare Advantage plan.

[kasyy]

well, 17% is a bargain - I'd have been happy with 17% -my plan n went up 35% - thankfully i have guaranteed acceptance with my husbands union retirement benefits.  I will be paying a bit more for a plan F this time around.  Look into union benefits if anyone has retired from union work.

[NorCalMom]

This is my 2nd month with Plan G and then send me a notice that my increase in 4/25 will be 42.08%. I asked for a review and got a canned answer, asked for it to be upgraded to a supervisor and haven’t heard a word. Feel like it’s a big bait and switch. Will be shopping for sure. 

[BenB482455]

If you are dissatisfied with United Healthcare's administration or pricing for Plan G, the website at Medicare.gov (you don't have to sign in as a member) will list all of the insurance companies that offer Medigap or Advantage supplemental plans in your zipcode, and their pricing. They also list all of the drug supplement policies available in your area.

Regardless of what insurance company administrates a Medigap plan, the individual plans are all the same. United Healthcare is the company that has associated itself with the AARP brand and senior lobbying concern. They administrate the majority of Medigap plans, nationwide, while Blue Cross Blue Shield comes in a close second. There are likely, several other insurance companies that offer Medigap or Advantage plans in  your zip code. 
Prices differ mostly by state and area (county) you live within that state. Prices can vary between companies by $5-30/mo. for the same plan. 
I'm not sure why so many are surprised at and insurance company price increase. Everything increases, including healthcare.....especially healthcare. A 45% increase, though, sounds as though something is miscalculated somewhere along the way..
Again, check out the Medicare.gov site. It is full of information, including how and when you can change plans,  and has the very easy pathway to find out all the supplement plans available in your area.
Good luck.

[GailL1]

---

@NorCalMom wrote:

This is my 2nd month with Plan G and then send me a notice that my increase in 4/25 will be 42.08%. 

---

Depending on the rules in the state where you reside, you might want to consider switching MediGAP insurers (and perhaps plans) now rather than waiting until 2025. (I assume that you did mean 2025 and not April 25, 2024).

Medicare.gov - Can I change my MediGAP policy?

[kasyy]

Same here - I am looking into another company that may sell me a policy at issue age - so I don;t ever have to deal with this again - shame on AARP for allowing this and selling it to the seniors they are "protecting".  Looking at Physicians Mututal plan G if they will sell it to me.

[maeella9]

II am in total agreement with these comments.  I do not understand how an organization such as AARP who is supposed to be the voice of seniors, will allow this company to continue to advertise their health insurance as a benefit to seniors.  These rate increases are outrageous!  How are we supposed to pay for living expenses, food, medicine, gasoline, other insurances, etc. when this company continues to raise its premiums every single doggone year???? And they aren't small increases, either.  Shame on you, AARP!  I am going to have to shop around and see where I can get a cheaper supplemental that my doctors will accept! 

[GailL1]

@maeella9 wrote . . . . . 

“  I am going to have to shop around and see where I can get a cheaper supplemental that my doctors will accept! “

====================================

Your doctor does NOT have to accept  any particular MediGAP plan (Medicare Supplemental Insurance) - they only have to accept Medicare because you MediGAP plan of whatever letter ONLY picks up the share of the cost which Medicare does not cover.

MediGAP insurance is not health insurance - it makes NO decisions on  your medicare care.  MediGAP insurance is a financial protection product which covers some or all or your medical liability which Original Medicare does not cover.

Because of the product, the rating method used and who it insures - yes, your MediGAP policy will go up in premium cost sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. 

As Medicare coverage might expand in costly treatments and test - your premiums will go up - an example of this is the new Alzheimer’s treatment and required testing - all under Part B.  Or a new expensive infused chemotherapy to treat cancer - Part B.  

So the more we use Original Medicare, your MediGap premiums can go up. 

Original Medicare and a very inclusive MediGAP plan  like Plan G is the cadillac of coverage - especially since there is NO maximum out of pocket limit to Original Medicare.  

There are other MediGAP plans that aren’t as inclusive like the MediGAP Plan G HIGH DEDUCTIBLE PLAN - where premiums are much less but the beneficiary shares in some of the risk ( $ 2700 per year currently).  Just as an example - if one has a Plan G, their monthly premiums might be $ 200 a month (or MORE in certain areas) but a Plan G HIGH DEDUCTIBLE in the same area and same plan is only $ 50 a month - because you would also pay that High Deductible of $ 2700 a year IF you have used it that much.

This is one of the reasons why many Medicare Beneficiaries choose a Medicare Advantage (MA)plan over Original Medicare with a Medigap plan.  Under the MA, which is Medicare managed care, they pay low or no monthly premiums but have copays, coinsurance, networks and a maximum out of pocket because these beneficiaries feel this is a better plan for their pocketbook and health needs.

Please read up on MediGAP and know what you are buying and how premium cost will rise over time -

Medicare.gov- Medigap Basics Explained

Just want you to understand what you are buying and are getting your best value - it is sometimes hard or even impossible to add or change a medigap policy in some states without underwriting.  

[GailL1]

IF you are interested, here is Nerdwallet's Physicians Mutual Medicare Supplement Insurance 2024 Review

Good Luck in your quest - are you going to be effected by underwriting?

[JamesG831539]

Physicians Mutual is one of the most expensive supplements on the market

[kasyy]

Luckily my husband was a lifelong union member and his union provides guaranteed acceptance to a medicare supplement - I am grateful indeed to have such a benefit and will switch during their guaranteed acceptance periods (may-june of each year.)

[kasyy]

already been to nerd wallet - I have done extensive research -already.  I am def switching as soon as I find the right one.  

[marianne718]

Same here. I just today learned that my and my husband’s UHC Rx premiums increased by 92%—from $40.90 to $78.80 EACH, effective Jan 1 2024!  I do not at all remember being notified about this increase because it strikes me that a 92% increase of ANYTHING is certainly something I’d take note of.  Too, I was never notified that I had an outstanding balance until I received an e-mail to that effect just last week. This is beyond shameful—it feels criminal and I am appalled that AARP is stands behind this. 

[GailL1]

@marianne718 

In the late summer or early fall of 2023, you should have gotten a 2024 edition of your free standing UHC RX plan Explanation of Benefits - it would have covered all the 2024 changes to the plan including premium increases, new deductibles, formulary changes - these plans are only issued for 1-year at a time since changes are made each year and you are given an Open Enrollment period during Oct - Dec to change plans based on your most current needs.

2024 was the beginning of several legislative changes - You are going to be getting more from these Part D plans like monthly supply of insulin for $ 35 with no deductible, like a declining out of pocket expense that begins in 2025 - like restricting the amount of premium increases beginning in 2025 - 

If this plan does not fit you and your needs - then change to one that does in the fall of 2024.  

Are you low income?  If so, look up the income threshold in your state for the program of “EXTRA HELP” and apply for it.   SSA.gov- EXTRA HELP

I wrote this in this same thread on 03/18/2024 -  it explains many of these new benefits - so yes, if you get more, you pay more.

As a beneficiary of a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, the government has negotiated several really big cost saving changes that will go into effect in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and also a restriction of how much premiums can go up beginning in the following years.  So as a result of these changes, the insurers are doing some adjustments in their premiums for this year to get ready for this additional coverage they are going to have to bear come beginning in 2025.

Did you think that these things would just occur without cost?

KFF.ORG- 04/23/2023 - Changes to Medicare Part D in 2024 and 2025 Under the Inflation Reduction Act ...

It’s also been in the regular MSN

CNBC 11/23/2023 - Retirees face significantly higher Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums in 2...

Where your money is involved, pay attention to the government - you don’t get anything for FREE.

[MarieD844050]

My mother was enrolled in the UHC prescription plan paying $77 a month.  In the process of switching her coverage from one state to another (an increase of approximately 10%) I inadvertently enrolled her in an advantage plan.  I contacted Medicare and explained the error.  A very helpful  representative was able to switch her to traditional Medicare and retain UHC.  We discussed her prescription plan.  The rep was appalled my mother was paying a high premium ($77 per month).  We switched to Wellcare for $120 the first year she was enrolled, the second year it was free.  Same coverage as her UHC plan.  Now I'm with UHC since May 2024.  The increase effective June, 2024 was a total surprise as when I enrolled, the UHC rep never informed me of an increase beginning June 2024.  In addition the Wellcare plan is free.  I recently received an IRMMA letter increasing my Plan B premium by 28% and I am now responsible for $12.90 a month for Wellcare which isn't paid to the company, it's paid to Medicare.  My second month of retirement has produced an additional 35% decrease in my  monthly income, increases in medical coverage premiums.  Anyone ever get a 35% decrease is their monthly SSA income?  A very disappointing welcome to retirement!!!

[GailL1]

@MarieD844050 

IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount) Part B and Part D premium surcharges are accessed on beneficiaries that make a higher income - I have long paid them as well as many other beneficiaries.  If your IRMAA premium surcharges are based on excludable life event, you can ask for a reconsideration on form SSA-44- remember it is based on the tax return (2) years back or longer if that is the only one available.

https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa 

Beneficiaries should review their Part D Medicare coverage EVERY year and make sure the plan they pick covers the specific meds they are taking because not every plan covers the exact same meds - the insurers are required to cover (2) meds in most all the various med classes and ALL of them in (5) classes -

So coverage of the med is 1st - then look at the cost of the meds, the premiums and whether or not there is a deductible.  Keep in mind, you don’t have to use the Med D plan if you can get the med cheaper in some other way - but you do need the med D plan to avoid late sign up penalties.

Medicare also rates insurers by star ratings.

If you are on Original Medicare with ore without a Medicare supplemental plan (MEDIGAP) then you have to look for a standalone Med D plan - most Medicare Advantage plans today combine the (2) coverages - Medicare Medical & Prescription Drug program (MAPD)

If a beneficiary has problem picking plans for themselves - they can contact a SHIP agent in their state or go thru an Independent Medicare Insurance Broker - an agent that writes for a lot of different Medicare insurance insurers - they can compare lots of different plans and explain the coverage options.  - A captive agent only writes for one Medicare Insurance company insurer - like UHC.

Please, Please, Please beneficiaries - just understand your options and pick the best one for your needs and pocketbook - and understanding Medicare - the whole program will be a benefit to you too.

[jwalker5]

Thank you for this information and reminder. 

[lhall12]

  It is a ridiculous increase. AND since they changed the timing of their increases to June instead of year end, like other plans, you can not compare prices for the new year. This has been underhanded and sneaky.  

[GailL1]

Medicare.gov - GET MEDIGAP COST

[GailL1]

@lhall12 

Bet if you read through your EOC (Explanation of Coverage) you might see that they might be able to raise premium twice a year, sometimes even more.

That isn’t regulated at the Federal level.  State, maybe.

Everbody needs to understand that MediGAP policies are gonna go up, Up and UP because of what they are based upon - Medical cost of a senior group.

• Goes up in rating method
• Goes up when Medicare coverage expands especially when the expansion involves very costly treatments, Part B meds, etc.
• Goes up when auxiliary benefits increase in cost
• Goes up with utilization of Medicare coverage
• Goes up when the beneficiary is exposed to a declining premium discount

[AnitaD800293]

 @GailL1

In addition to the above reasons for premium increases, I would add: a) the hefty legal fees involved in fighting an antitrust lawsuit and b) the one billion plus in royalties paid to a sponsoring organization. It rolls downhill... When I use medicare.gov to look up the various G plans offered for my state, it clearly states either "AARP - UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company" or "AARP - UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America". The policies are not simply "United Health Care".  AARP and UHC are clearly tied together to the benefit of both and, sadly, to the detriment of the rest of us. 

[GailL1]

@AnitaD800293 

I would imagine that for a company as big as the United Healthcare Group that they get a pretty good deal on their legal expenses - and since the government has decided not to take some or all of the lawsuits forward, I bet they are please.

The royalties paid to AARP for use of their branded name has been going on for so long, it is just a way of doing business - but yes, it would also add to the cost of the plan but only as an incidental.  Larger risk associated cost add more like the rating method and the risk which some states may add to them by offering added periods of switching plans without underwriting.  Only a few states actually offer added guaranteed rights for picking up a Medigap plan after the initial enrollment period - but these states would also have higher premiums.

Yes, as I pointed out in some other thread, affiliated company names are a way of dividing up what benefits each plan would have within a specific state.  

For Medigap plans like Plan G - (this is NC)

AARP/UHC Insurance Company writes Medigap plans that have added benefits, like wellness.  Whereas,

AARP/ UHC Insurance Company of America writes Medigap plans that offer some type of discount.

So the exact name of the company that writes the plan, as well as the state of origin, is important in setting things like premiums.  

(i am doing this from memory - so this might be backwards)

AARP is only the beneficiary of the royalties for the branded (registered) name of AARP.  This is a licensing deal that AARP Services, Inc. has put together for benefit of the organization and its mission.  This registered and branded name has a value - and yes, they do capitalize on it.   But they have NO say in the insurance company’s way of doing business nor the cost of premiums - 

The use of the AARP’s branded name is purely for making money and it  has nothing to do with the AARP as an organization giving the company or its benefits a seal of approval.  Maybe it should but legally it doesn’t - read any disclosure and it all says the same thing - it is only a royalty paid for use of the branded name.

I am sorry that people think otherwise - and I do understand but it is what it is - and only that -  Do they do this on purpose, propagating the notion that it is their insurance company or that it has been somehow stamped with their seal of approval - MAYBE.  But that’s because of the way people view it - not because it is this way.  Which it isn’t - 

[CBtoo]

The use of the AARP name isn't solely for branding. We are required to have a membership to buy their plans. It then makes us captive to AARP too (although we can drop AARP any year we aren't buying a new UHC plan of any sort). In my state they are the only community rated plan which was important to me so I had to drink the koolaid. 

[RitaC373420]

 I just retired and began Medicare coverage in September 2023.  A Medicare Benefits Consultant advised me to select AARP United Healthcare as my supplemental coverage.  My initial premium was reasonable; however, after less than eight months as a plan member, I received yesterday from AARP United Healthcare a letter about an increase to my Medicare Supplement Plan G. I am appalled at the huge increase. My premium increased more than 14%, an increase of 24.28 per month.  If I want to switch Medicare supplement providers, I would have to go through underwriting.  I certainly feel trapped by this situation and am unsure what to do next.   If AARP United Healthcare keeps increasing the cost each year at such a high rate, I will soon be priced out of getting supplemental health care coverage. I am appalled that AARP, an organization that I respect, would allow United Healthcare to get away with taking advantage of seniors who are on fixed incomes.

[p248613r]

5 years ago i went with aarp UHC because they were community based. Everything I read said thats a little higher cost monthly but because they don't  raise due to your age every year like all the other companys , in the long term they will be the most cost effective. So when I am 80 they are not charging me excessively because I am 80. With this last hike mine went from $136 to $ 153 a month for plan n and i am 70 . Thought of changing scares me because they are most likely age related or attained age. I know that I could not afford those rate increases of inflation and me getting older. .so I guess I suck it up and hope it doesn't get too crazy.

[kasyy]

you're lucky that's only as high as it went -0 my plan N ( I am 75) went from 172 to 226 !!!!!!!!!!!:

[GailL1]

@p248613r 

OR you might live in a state where any change to your MediGAP plan - can only be done if their is underwriting - 

Your state is the one that make the rules about changing MediGap policies so see what the rules are in your state - dept of insurance or whatever they call it in your state usually has detailed info.

Or if you give me your state - I will look it up.

[maeella9]

I am in total agreement with you, Rita.  This is beyond ridiculous.  It appears to me that caring for retired seniors is not a priority in the U.S. anymore.  In Pennsylvania where I live, I have been on a 7-year waiting list for affordable senior housing In Montgomery County.  I am forced to move in with my sister temporarily until my name comes up on the list because I simply cannot afford this place that I'm in right now where they nickel and dime you to death.  
They have no regard for seniors on fixed incomes.  My town was once full of factories and warehouses...they are now being gutted and replaced with luxury apartments! Why couldn't they add extra senior housing instead?  They are getting subsidies from the state and the feds.  Also, the post I made about AARP United Healthcare's premium increase for 2024 had me fuming.  We seniors have worked our butts off (I have worked since I was 16, I'm now soon to be 74) and no one, not even AARP will send a message to these Medicare supplement insurers that for AARP to attach their name to their insurances then they need to charge reasonable premiums for those of us with little to no savings and limited retirement resources.  This is a real slap in the face!

[GailL1]

@maeella9 

Speaking of the Housing which you commented upon  - 

Do you know how those Senior Independent Affordable Housing Complexes came about and why few are being built at a time when they are needed so badly?  

I posted a rather detailed piece about them in this Community’s HOUSING Board

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Housing/Senior-Housing-Market-Subsidized-Section-8/td-p/2546929 

The reason why they are in such low numbers in availability is:

1.  this program was found to be too expensive for the non-profits building and servicing them - especially in the areas where many seniors want to live because along with affordable comes accessible.

The price of land escalated as well as the price of construction and maintenance - so it is hard to find a good place for them without breaking everybody involve banks, so to speak.

2.  the income shift of seniors in these units has gone from subsidized to more Section 8 - as the income of seniors to their expenses has escalated - they are poorer and poorer.  But on the other hand, the upkeep of these places have escalated.  Those that paid market rent at one time are now at the subsidized level and those that were only subsidized are now Sect 8 along with the others already at this level.

3.  we are living longer - thus seniors stay in these places forever and a day.  With the wait list getting longer and longer.

Got a solution ?